“This is a dream come true, especially after what happened to me last year with my card and everything.

“I really took a lot from that experience and told myself to try and grasp the opportunity of getting my livelihood back with both hands and I have done that this week.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling. I hung in there today and didn’t play my best stuff but I knew if I could hang in there that I might get my chance and thankfully it came.

“It really means everything to me to be in the winner’s circle again. I have been to hell and back to be honest with you. It’s been an absolute rollercoaster over the last year and a half - especially the end of last year.

“There was pressure today but not the same pressure as trying to keep your European Tour card. That’s real pressure and something I don’t want to feel for a long time.”

Storm picked up £143,000 as a result of the victory and added; “I was saying to Rory in the walk up the fairway in the last play-of hole that this was actually the first time we had played together and to play 21 holes with him was just incredible. An absolute gentleman and I think the best player in the world right now.”

McIlroy, who revealed afterwards that he will have a scan on his injured back today, has set his sights on returning to the world number one spot.

“Obviously it’s disappointing to finish like that but Graeme has played well all week and what a story it for him,” said Rory.

“He thought he had lost his card at the end of last year and there he is now standing with a trophy in his hands after the first event of 2017. I’m delighted for him.

“I wish I could have done a little more but it’s not a bad way to start the season and gives me something to build on in the weeks ahead.

“I knew that if I had a good week here then I can go to Abu Dhabi next week and win there and get back to Number One so that’s a nice goal to have going into next week.

“I played well and wish I could have got a win but it’s a good start to the year. But look, we have had a fantastic time here in South Africa over the last ten days and we are planning to come back near the end of the year.”